Star Crossed Love

Over the summer, I had the pleasure of reading another great novel by Lisa See called "Peony in Love."  The book featured a protagonist obsessed with the famous Chinese opera, "Peony Pavillion." Without going into too much detail about the book or the opera itself, I will give a brief overview of the storyline.  Often called the "Romeo and Juliet" of Chinese literature, the story features two star-crossed lovers who are not able to be together due to interference by parents and other problems.  The lovesick girl starves herself to death because she cannot be with her true love. 

From culture to culture, "Romeo and Juliet" tales have remained some of the most popular stories, told time and time again.  The romanticism of preferring death over a life without your true love is a notion that many people hold close to their heart- most people long to feel THAT strongly about another person.  From Pyramus and Thisbe to Salim and Anarkali to Tristan and Isolde, tragic love has been a central theme in literature and music for hundreds of years. 

The opera is arguably the best known of its genre, most often performed over the course of three evenings for three hours each day.  The elaborate costumes come from the Ming dynasty, with long flowing sleeves and feathered headdresses.  The most interesting part about Chinese opera is the use of almost all females to play both male and female roles.  Taking their opera very seriously, females were entrusted by society to portray these important characters.  At the same time, other Chinese women were not even allowed out of their homes and compounds until they day they were married- only then to be confined in the home of their new husband. 

Although it is not often that someone would be able to watch a Chinese Opera outside of China, there have been a few productions in New York and London in the last few years.  The government of China must approve all components of the Chinese troupe performing so as not to embarrass China with inappropriate adaptations of the story. 

Although, China is of course not the only country known for having wonderful operas; I find the costumes, music and dancing the most intriguing from this culture.  Although a video is clearly not the same as the live production, I have had to make due with a recording until I someday get a chance to attend a performance.  I recommend the opera or book to anyone, regardless of your own culture who believes in the existence of true love. 

For information on Lisa See's book:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peony_in_Love
For information on the story of Peony Pavillion:
http://www.yellowbridge.com/literature/peonypavilion.php
For general information on Chinese Opera, the following two links:
http://www.chinatownconnection.com/chinese_opera.htm
http://www.ibiblio.org/chineseculture/contents/entr/p-entr-c01s02.html
For a list of famous tragic tales of love in varying parts of the world:
http://amolife.com/reviews/top-20-most-famous-love-stories-in-history-and-literature.html